NEW YORK, September 2, 2021—Today, across NYC, Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island, the Red Cross has been assisting residents displaced by the flooding. The organization has also been assessing damage to identify additional families in need of assistance and has begun providing flood clean up supplies. This distribution effort will continue in the days to come.

The Red Cross is working closely with New York City to provide emergency housing to displaced households. In NYC, residents forced from their homes and in need of assistance are urged to call 311.

In Westchester County, the Red Cross has a shelter open at Mamaroneck High School (1000 W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10543). Last night, the Red Cross supported more than 125 evacuated residents there. The shelter remains open tonight for anyone who needs it.

The Red Cross also urges residents to be safe in and around standing water and exercise caution as they clean up their damaged homes.

Safety After the Flood

• Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
• Watch pets closely and keep them under your direct control.
• Help people who require special assistance — children, older adults, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.
• Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Report them immediately to the power company.
• Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters and mud. When in doubt, throw it out. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut.
• Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots, and be cautious when cleaning up.
• Be careful when moving furnishings or debris because they may be waterlogged and heavier.
• Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.
• Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.

More tips and safety resources available at www.redcross.org/flood and by downloading the free Red Cross Emergency App (available on Apple and the Google Play Store).

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @redcrossny.